*Pimp my ride... BI&E Brainerd!

It was the final day of my time up in northern Minnesota, and we were on our way to Brainerd, MN. First stop:

Mills Ford

Ford has had a rich history for it's partnership with the National FFA Organization. Within Minnesota, Northland Ford has made it's mark through it's sponsorship of the State Greenhand Leadership Conference & State Leadership Conference for Chapter Leaders. Northland Ford is a Distinguished Star Partner for the Minnesota FFA Association, the highest level of partnership. And finally, within Brainerd is their own Ford based supporter- Mills Ford.

Labecca and I took the morning to meet with some representatives to share some more information with us about what Mills Ford is all about. As much as I would like to claim that I wanted one of the first cars that Mills Ford sold when they began in the 1920's, I had my eyes set on the new 2010 Mustang GT 500 Cobra. It was evident, as Patrick and Marla shared with us, that the values of Mills Ford are a part of hundreds of people employed there. The company believes:

" We strive to develop mutual long-term relationships
with our customers through dedicated employees and world class service."

Each day, over 90 vehicles are served. That adds up to about 32,000 services a year ranging from an oil change to "pimping" your ride. You choose!

After our brief, yet worthwhile time at Mills Ford, we traveled just down the road to Brainerd high school. We had quite a bit of time to spend with the Small Animals & Natural Resource classes, and sat down for lunch with the officer team:

Kenny... is ambitious and quite precise about what he would like to do in the future. Next year, Kenny wants to go into the marines. Eventually, he would like to take his love of welding and serve as an underwater-welder for the United States Marines. Kenny also helped me create a new POWER. The POWER "Chea" which is a slurred version of "CH" & "YEAH".

Riley... made a similar attempt to those from previous visits to jump over the $1, but was unsuccessful. He did succeed in his portrayal of a bull moose, antlers and all.

Shantelle, Chelsey, Grant, Betsy, Sarah, and Dan ... hosted us for lunch. Within their school is a cozy little restaurant, where we were served a bottomless bowl of chicken and wild rice soup. It was a good way to refuel for the day. Since most of the Brainerd officer team was at SLCCL , we reminisced our memories. Chelsey reminded me of the A-Z review and the word everyone shouted when we got to "S"... SHOES.

During lunch, we also got to visit with an important supporter of the Brainerd FFA Alumni Chapter, as well as members of the school's faculty.

As Mr. Ertl told us, "We could make an entire day out of being in Brainerd." I would have to agree when thinking about all that we experienced just within the 2-3 hours we were there. Brainerd has a diverse community of agricultural industries and FFA supporters, I hope to meet more of them in the future!

Total Kilometers... 960 km traveled.... numerous tanks of gas.

Not nearly as bad as Alfred Hitchcock made it seem... BI&E Pequot Lakes!

Have you ever seen the movie, "The Birds." - I haven't either. But from what I have concluded is that it is a movie about a large amount of birds that attack and kill people. Sound fun?
Not really. BUT the place Labecca and I visited, was A LOT of fun. A large flock of birds didn't attack us or anything, but we did get to see many turkeys, chickens, ducks, pheasants, quail, partridge and geese. And these birds were pretty cool (especially the ducks.)

On our 3rd day near Pequot Lakes, after a relaxing night in a hotel and eating at Mayson's Grille in Jenkins, MN we took some back roads to visit an agricultural industry leader:

"Wild Acres Game Farm."

Wild Acres is located near the heart of northern Minnesota, deep in the woods. When we drove onto the site, we were greeted by the sights and sounds of many of the birds that call Wild Acres home as well as the towering buildings that gave them shelter.

Wild Acres is the largest hatch to harvest farm for poultry and game birds in the United States.

We were given an excellent and informative tour of the farm and facilities starting with hatch, and finishing with harvest.Wild Acres has been a great friend of FFA with their sponsorship of of the Pheasant and Duck Release Programs around the state.

The first building we visited had several, large scale incubators. They look quite similar to a large refrigerator, however they are at a constant temperature of 99 degrees Fahrenheit. All of the eggs are picked daily, by hand, from the breeding pens, disinfected and then placed in the incubators. We were lucky enough to have visited on hatch day! The picture says it all. Over 125,000 birds are hatched at Wild Acres annually from their own stock.

(These chicks and ducks do not live in here forever. They hatch and then eventually moved to a large pen with heat lamps to transition them into their future on the farm with in the same day.)

After getting a chance to even hold the newly hatched chicks, we were taken to the various barn that housed the birds in their different stages of life.

One of the outdoor pheasant pens we looked at had over 4,000 pheasants in it!

The final stop was the processing building. Every single week, over 1,000 birds are processed on the farm and sold to locals as well as large restaurants in the metropolitan area of Minnesota. And on each and every day that these birds are processed, a State employed inspector is there to ensure the safety and welfare not only of the birds but of the employees.

I enjoyed every minute of my time here and I hope to visit in the future, and possibly put my name on a covey of quail to buy.

Wild Acres Game Farm is a 2nd generation, family farm.

* Visit their website to learn more...

http://wildacresmn.com/index.cfm/pageid/8

Q: What did the detective duck say to his partner ?:...BI&E Blackduck!

A: I hope we can quack this case !

...Regardless, in the afternoon of Day 2 of our trip around northern Minnesota, we made a length-y pit stop in Blackduck, MN. While visiting the high school and their agricultural education program, under the advisory of Mr. Freisen , Labecca and I got to hang out with the 8th grade introductory ag class. Afterwards, we spent some time with the chapter officer team discussing what our own individual strengths were. And in between all of this fun, we managed to go and visit an elk farm as well as meet with a member from the Beltrami County Farm Bureau. Here is a rundown:

Tisheena... spent a week with FFA members from across the state at SLCCL! It was great getting to see her again, and to see her in action serving as a chapter officer. When presenting to the 8th grade classes, Tisheena shared some of her own experiences and advice about FFA. Thanks!

Johnny... almost gave me a run for my money during the "Dollar Jump Challenge." You see, in order to demonstrate the opportunities in FFA to win and earn money, we placed a dollar bill on the ground. You could win the $1 only if you successfully jump over it the long way while holding onto your toes the entire time. ... Thankfully, no one could do it, but they were close.

Caleb... was victorious in the decision to see what team, "The Sour Skittles" or "The Smarties", would go first in Charades. Instead of your typical [Rock-Paper-Scissors], I like to change it up and play: [Awkward Turtle-Turkey-Palm tree]. Caleb was stellar in his choice of the "Awkward Turtle" to defeat Johnny's choice of "Awkward Turkey." Quite simply... Turtle eats turkey~turkey poops on tree~palm tree falls on turtle.

Josh... as much as he encouraged me, couldn't get me to jump on the elk for a rodeo show. After visiting Blackduck high school, we took a school bus to an Elk farm near town! This was the perfect time of the year to see the bulls because they were in the rut season. In other words, they had very large antlers. This past summer, Josh also attended SLCCL and is known not only for his laugh, but for his desire to serve others in life.

Dana... said, after reviewing what we learned about FFA, "I learned that FFA is for everyone and has a lot of opportunities." She also made the attempt to jump the dollar, but was not quite successful.

John... is a representative of the Beltrami County Farm Bureau. John shared with us his experiences within agriculture, and his involvement with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation.

Overall, I had a great time in Blackduck. It was so interesting to have learned so much in one day about the diversity of Minnesota agriculture.

From Baudette to Northome to Blackduck, we definitely got some mileage on our shoulders as well as a deeper appreciation for our northern neighbors.

Thank you very much Blackduck FFA for letting us spend time with you for the limited time we had!

Mileage count after Day #2...

451 miles

What kind of bear is best ? ... BI&E Northome!

[ One of my favorite scenes from 'The Office' ]

Jim (dressed as Dwight): Question:what kind of bear is best ?

Dwight: That's a ridiculous question

Jim: FALSE. Black bear.

Dwight: That's debatable. There are basically two two schools of thought...

Jim: Fact: Bears eat beets. Bears. Beets. Battlestar Gallactica.
Dwight: Bears do not... what is going on? WHAT ARE YOU DOING? [pause] Oh, well your sincere imitation is flattering.

...Ok, so that might have been semi-random BUT, it does have a point. Following our morning in Baudette; Labecca, Mr. Ertl and I traveled back down the state of Minnesota, through the bogs and past Red Lake to the town of Northome. With a population of about 230, Northome is has been dubbed "The Heart of Big Bear Country", because of the black bears that are hunted frequently there. (hence , The Office, reference)

While visiting the high school students of Northome I learned a lot about the members and about their FFA chapter:

Mark... is a former Blackduck FFA member, and current Northome FFA member. He has had a number of state level experiences including this past State Convention and SLCCL 2008. (The year they broke the couch, Mark reminded me)

Trista... is interested in horses and would like to study Equine at the University of Minnesota Crookston. I think that is a great choice, considering the excellent facilities they have there. She is also serving as a chapter officer.

Chester... currently works for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In his position, he spends his time removing invasive species.

Cody... has a deep interest in the outdoors. From working on a resort to hunting grouse and even guiding bear hunting trips, Cody has done it all. Whenever he isn't collecting trophies out in the woods, he can be found on the football field representing the Mustangs as the team's center.

Mr. Sherman and his small engines class, took Labecca and I out to their school forest to see the trails and shelters they built. The school forests are managed by the students in Northome. Being in "BEAR COUNTRY", I asked Cody to track me a bear.

As intently as I fixed my eyes to the trees, looking for a ruffed-grouse or black bear, I didn't see anything. When I looked to the ground, I did find a leopard frog, but it wasn't that big of a deal because I see them everywhere. I also learned that in addition to their chapter's annual "Fruit Sales"( some thing I am sure you are familiar with), they harvest the timber from their school forest and have "Timber Sales" (something that blew my mind) NORTHOME: If you ever have extra timber, you know who to call.

Labecca and I got to meet the superintendent of the school district, eat lunch with the students and above all, - WE HAD A GREAT TIME!
I look forward to see where this chapter goes, the new ideas they have to further engage current and potential FFA members and the community of Northome.

Hopefully the Northome jacket will return to St.Paul for State Convention !

435.17 miles... are we there YET ?!

A Wonderful Willie Walleye Welcome... BI&E Baudette!

The third stop on our tour of Northern Minnesota took us, just about, as far north as you can go. The city of Baudette, MN is located near the Canadian border and is, after I 'Map-Quest'-ed it, 8.5 hours away from my house in Southwest Minnesota. It's far.
Baudette's agricultural program is a part of the new 'Sparsely Populated Areas" initiative. Ms. Fickes, the instructor has put forth an amazing commitment because she drives over 3.5 hours from her home in Crookston, to teach in Baudette and then another hour to Twin Valley, MN.

Because of the limitations of geography, the students get to see Ms. Fickes in class by watching TV. Once a week, she will come to visit and teach in person.

The Animal Science class Labecca and I visited in the morning had 10 students with interests ranging from forensic science and truck driving to horses and constructional engineering. One student had just returned from the Minnesota 4-H Horse show at the State Fair grounds. Everyone learned about supporting each other in the 'Human-Table', just like we do with each other in FFA through our relationships with sponsors, partners, alumni, advisors and friends.

Desiree... is interested in small animals. She would like to possibly work with small animal health as a veterinarian or veterinary technician.

Just as we entered and left Baudette, there are 3 distinct things I remember:

1. Willie the Walleye ... Baudette is known as the Walleye capital of the WORLD! If only I had my fishing pole, or at least a fork...
2. The road sign that alluded to the fact that Baudette is on the border of Canada! If only I had my passport, or at least a convincing Canadian accent...
   
3. Tuning the radio, and instead of listening to the English or Spanish station- we listened to the French station! If only I had a translator, or at least some French in my blood...

365.44 miles and STILL counting...

Minnesota's largest Wal-Mart ... BI&E GRAND RAPIDS!

After our morning visit in Duluth, we were "On the Road Again." Our next stop would be in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. AKA- The birthplace of Dorothy AKA- Judy Garland.

As much as I was excited to meet the members of Grand Rapids FFA , my eyes were glued to the walls within the ag room. Not only were the walls covered with the accomplishments of the chapter members at the regional and state level, but with mounted ducks, owls and a giraffe. Now the... Oh, wait. YES I SAID GIRAFFE.

Mr. Linder, was lucky enough to get his hands on a large collection of exotic animal mounts ranging from hyenas, to wildebeest to the long-necked giraffe. I felt like all of my childhood dreams came true. Don't you wish your ag room had a giraffe?

As much as I would love to talk about giraffes, I will regain my train of thinking and give you a little insight on the members I met in Grand Rapids:

Ryan ... currently "wrastles" (yes, I intended to have the 'a' not "e") for Grand Rapids and will be competing in Indianapolis at National Convention in the Forestry CDE. In the future, he hopes to continue to pursue his interest in Forestry and work for the industry.

Maia ... gave a great speech at the Rotary International meeting we attended Monday night. She spoke on behalf of the other State Champion CDE Team, the Horse Evaluation Team. Maia enjoys horses as much as she enjoys 4-H, and she would like to work with extension in the future.

Jessica... placed 3rd overall in the Forestry CDE this past April at State. While visiting the Forest History Center, she helped me assemble a bear trap out of Lincoln Logs, in addition to helping me identify different trees. I learned that Jack Pine, is definitely not Jessica's favorite tree. She will represent Minnesota FFA at the National level this October!

Lauren... was my host for the night. But before staying at her house, she drove Jessica and I to Wal-Mart to explore and to buy some delicious Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream. YUM. But it doesn't stop there. Lauren's mom greeted us with some fresh, home-made apple pie. I was already ridiculously full from eating at Arby's, then Rotary (we didn't know we would get a meal), then Ben & Jerry's. But, who cares! I DON'T. It was soo good. Lauren has worked at the local vet clinic and has traveled to Peru and Sweden.

Here are some other TOP 5 cool things from our time in Grand Rapids:

1. Visiting the Forest History Center and learning about the Forestry industry of Northern Minnesota and the devastating 1918 Cloquet fire. We got to sit through an interactive theatre that told us the story. This was eye opening, and quite sad to hear the testimonies. One voice that resonates in my minds still was when a boy told the story of coming home to find his home, barn and cattle all destroyed by the fire.

2. Having "BLOB" races , and spending time with members!

3. A rabbit racing into the bathroom just as I opened the door. (At 5:00 am, I wasn't sure if I was dreaming)

4. A nice comfy, fluffy, amazing bed to sleep in! (Beats my dorm bed)

5. Rotary International donated a check of $250 to the 2 State Champion Teams traveling to National Convention!!

One day and 234 miles behind us... Can't wait for more!

A trip to ALWAYS remember... BI&E: DULUTH!

Every year the state officer team has the opportunity to visit 2 regions throughout the state of Minnesota. These visits have traditionally been called Business, Industry & Education Tours. (BI&E Tours) During this time, we as state officers take time out of school to visit agricultural education programs, classrooms, businesses and industry leaders within the assigned regions.

Lucky for Labecca and I, we got to explore the northern part of Minnesota as we visited REGION II FFA!!! The following blog posts will capture the past three days we spent traveling in a mini-van with the one and only Mr. Ertl, the State FFA Executive Secretary.

Our very first visit was with agricultural education instructor, Ms. Madole and the Duluth FFA Chapter ! Duluth is a picture frame city, with its towering Norway pines trees that rest upon the hills, gradually fading into the deep blue of Lake Superior.

In Duluth, there are 3 high schools: Duluth East, Duluth Denfeld & Duluth Central. The Career and Technical Education building, home of the agricultural department, is located on the Duluth Central campus, so students commute to the classes held there.

In Duluth, Labecca and I met with two classes: the Forestry class and Plant Science class.

In each class we met some current FFA members and some potential FFA members including:

Jesus ... Did you happen to see any amazing artwork at the State Fair? Chances are that you saw his artwork as he made a drawing the won Grand Champion at the MN State Fair. Jesus is a senior.

Brittany ... is fairly new to FFA, but had the awesome opportunity to represent Duluth at State Convention this past April. She is quite interested in Forestry in addition to snowboarding and Guitar Hero. When she isn't tearing up the slopes, Brittany enjoys nannying in the Twin Cities and working with younger children.

Keifer ... is an avid outdoors man. He loves going out in his canoe and is also interested in Forestry.

Hoshka ... is interested in Small Animals. She enjoys pets and would like to work with children and ensuring their health and safety.

In addition to meeting agricultural students, we went crowd surfing with Ms.Madole and stopped for some lunch with members of Duluth's BPA Chapter. (Business Professionals of America)

As one student, George put it, "FFA, basically, sounds like something for everyone, and that the opportunities you get for it will definitely help you in the future." ... well said.

I had a great time visiting with the program in Duluth and look forward to see where their FFA chapter will go, and more than that- where the members will go.

Until next time - SEE YA!

151 miles and counting...

decisions, decisions, decisions ...

Life is most certainly, all about DECISIONS.

Some of the decisions we make are to be proud of, while others are to be frowned upon. In my life, specifically this past week, I made a relatively big decision.

Entering my freshman year of college, I declared my major as Animal Science; Pre-Veterinary Medicine. The very first assignment in my Orientation to Animal Science class was to write a paper about why we wanted to be in the Animal Science career pathway.

After about 2 hours of writer's block I finally told myself, "Ok, just write what you want." And that is when this sentence happened:

"It is through writing this paper that I have discovered that a major in Animal Science and focus in that career pathway, is something that I will not pursue. My interest and passion for agriculture stretches far beyond animal science, and to choose such major would be cheating me of my true, life aspirations."

This didn't just happen that day. I have been thinking about this throughout this past summer, and school year. After many months of discerning, I have decided to pursue a major in Agricultural Education: Leadership & Communication. Why ? Well, time will tell this year. I just knew that my true passion is to not only educate people about agriculture, but to empower them to become leaders themselves in the vast world of agriculture.

More thoughts down the road, but that's me for now...

Where was I ?

Wow! Time can get away from you really fast!

For those of you still tuning in, I hope you are all enjoying the new school year. Yes, I know that homework is NOT enjoyable, but I think school is fun because then you can see your friends again. And really, what classes aren't fun with your friends ?

It seems like eons ago that the Great Minnesota Get Together happened, but it was not even 12 days ago that the barns were loud with livestock, streets packed with fairgoers, and stomachs full of food only sold on a stick.

To give you a recap, here is my own list of :
The Minnesota State Fair... in NUMBERS!

1,790,497... The final, RECORD BREAKING, attendance of all 12 days !

90,807 ... attended the Grandstand shows including: Jeff Dunham, Kid Rock and Casting Crowns ! ... Kelly Clarkson cancelled her concert because she felt sick., not too many people were happy.

20,000 ... dollars in scholarship money awarded by the State Fair to 4-H and FFA members!

4,788... flu shots were administered to fair-goers ! ... 120 4-H kids were sent home because of H1N1 :(

1,952 ... livestock were exhibited in the State FFA Livestock Show including 328 beef cattle, 284 dairy cattle, 495 swine, 86 goats and 759 sheep! I was proud to have exhibited and shown my own Polypay ewes , where one was named Grand Champion!

1,310 ... pounds ...the weight of "Deano", Minnesota's Largest Boar !

500... different kinds of food you can eat at the State Fair!... 70 are on a stick.

254... people that only cared to ask, "Where is the bathroom?" , while in the FFA Chapter House. ... The bathrooms are in the Coliseum!

170 ... total births that occurred at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center including 125 piglets, 33 lambs and 12 calves !

90 ... pounds of butter were used to carve the likeness of Hutchinson FFA member Elizabeth Olson! She was crowned the 56th Princess Kay of the Milky Way!!

78 ... FFA members made their way to the Swine Barn to get down at the FFA Dance!

69 ... degrees Fahrenheit, the average temperature at 1 pm for all 12 days... not bad.

55 ... years that FFA has held a State Crop show!

30 ... FFA members from across the state volunteered their time to work at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center. They spent many hours telling not only the story of Minnesota agriculture, but their own story. ... And I could never forget, from my own experience, the many interesting questions asked by fairgoers.

26 ... past state officers that I met and talked to in the FFA Chapter House!

14 ... chapters competed in the Landscape booth contest. Forest Lake FFA was named Champion!

10 ... slices of free pizza that I ate in one day! Thank you Moo Booth!!!

3 ... rounds of questions before the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted FFA Chapter was named the 1st Annual FFA Quiz Bowl Champion!

1... More year until the next !!!

Mark your calendars for August 26 -September 6, 2010!

We as FFA members have incredible opportunities each time we visit the state fair. Whether it is winning premium money for exhibiting livestock or crops, meeting new friends in the swine barn, promoting the agricultural industry at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, making an appearance on TV, eating some delicious fair food or visiting with politicians- everyday is a brand new, exciting day at the fair, and it is waiting for you to give it a shot!

FYI: The Minnesota State Fair rocks.